"Over the past two weeks, more than 10 people have been arrested, or died during shootouts," Karnavian said here on Monday.
The gang now has only 29 members, down from 41 people previously.
Only two Chinese Uighurs are now part of the group in Poso, as four others were killed in shootouts with Indonesian security officers.
The remaining 29 people got separated following the gun fight yesterday, he said.
"However, they continue to be still in areas around Poso and Napu," the former Jakarta police chief said.
Some three thousand police and military officers who are part of the Operation Tinombala have been hunting for Santoso and his gang members since early January 2016.
The search is hampered by the difficult and dangerous terrain of the mountainous areas of Pose which are covered by thick forests.
He described the hunt as "something akin to looking for a needle in a haystack."
"This morning, I have just come back from there. After discussing the situation with the field commanders, I think its just a matter of time now because they have been cornered, their logistics have run out, and all they have are around six weapons," he said.
He said the operation will last until May, but he cannot predict when Santoso and his members would be arrested.
(f001/INE)
EDITED BY INE/H-YH
(T.SYS/B/KR-BSR/B/H-YH)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
